OOTD + Fall Harvest from The Humble Bungalow Garden

 

It's the first day of Fall Today 

So I am getting ready for cooler weather...

Ready to

Welcome Back

My

Black and White Fall and Winter Basics

I have tried wearing bold bright colours in the cooler months

 but I keep going back to black.

Here I am dressed in a super casual OOTD for lunch with my sister and cousins.

I wore things that I have had in my closet for years

Black Yoga pants

Old Navy White Shirt

Eileen Fisher black quilted vest

with

(new this summer)

Tommy Hilfiger Shoes

Black and white is so easy to accessorize...

jewelry, colourful scarves, sweaters.

Think the accessories give this casual OOTD a bit of a lift. 

BIG pearls from Hong Kong and Bold Red Miss Pupa Lipgloss #305

I added my Black Eileen Fisher vest as we were sitting outdoors for our lunch.

We had a yummy lunch at pure Vanilla in Oak Bay.

Food choices are always fresh and there are many healthy options.

There was SO MUCH catching up and chattering 

that it was really HARD to get a word in edgewise!

I hate talking over people so I was rather quiet

I prefer to listen anyways...

My simple style is not fancy, it could not be easier or more basic.

It is honest and works for me.

I own and am attracted to blue denim, chambray and Tencel shirts, dresses and jeans.

Denim played a major role in my teenage wardrobe.

Did it factor into your younger wardrobe too?

If you had told me at 13 that I would still be wearing jeans at 68 

I probably would have laughed, but it is true.

Do you still wear jeans and denim?

I have 3 pairs of jeans, a denim jumper, shirts, a top and a distressed denim jacket.

Keeping a small and simple basic wardrobe makes getting dressed easy.

Too many choices make me dizzy and indecisive.

There are also several LBD's in my closet...

a black and grey tweed skirt 

some black and white tops

sweaters

black dress pants.

Retirement dressing is very casual...

I wear things for comfort and those that are purpose driven.

When I go to the pool for aquafit classes I wear these same Yoga pants.

A cozy warm top and a jacket or sweater depending on the weather.

Marshalls change room!

I seem to gravitate to this store...

SO MANY CHOICES.

Such good value, I like that, as I am on a pension.

I keep track of ALL my wardrobe purchases...new and thrifted.

This quilted barn coat is something that I have wanted for several years.

When I spied it hanging on the rack I grabbed it!

Ralph Lauren is known for their detail on their garments.

I like the snaps and the ability to open the hem.

Might come in handy if I plan to leap any tall buildings :-))

The collar is done in a classic corduroy...

the coat is roomy which I wanted especially for layering in the cold weather.

In case you are wondering...

underneath the coat I am wearing a soft faded light blue Tencel dress and capri tights.

I have just swapped out my summer clothes and put them in the guest room closet.

It is raining here today and boy do we ever need the rain!

This past summer has been riddled with drought conditions and forest fires.

Welcome Fall Weather!

Humble Bungalow Front Porch Fall Decor

dried hydrangeas and mini pumpkins.

The swimsuit that I wear to aqua fit class is starting to stretch out and the seams are looking dodgy.

I have ordered this one from Lands" End and hope that it will fit.

The newer one by Alfred Sung that I purchased early in the season 

is a wrap style with a lower neckline 

so not really suitable for the "bouncing" cardio portion of the class!

It is harvest time here...

Liberty Apples 

first harvest shared with the grandchildren.

Sweet, tasty and small enough for school lunches.

Chehalis green apples

I prefer to cook with these.

(I have an apple pie baking in the oven right now!)

I roasted some of these heirloom Italian Mikado tomatoes for sauces in the Winter.

Roasted Tomatoes

Line a baking tray with parchment paper

Cut Tomatoes into smaller chunks

add pepper and garlic

drizzle with olive oil

bake at 375 for about 40 minutes

Cool

Spoon into Ziploc bags or plastic containers for the freezer.

Hermes scarf and Saint James striped top

worn here under a casual zip jacket.

What clothes are on your radar for Fall? 

(Or Spring depending where you live)

Do you plan to purchase anything new?

I am in the process of cutting and drying some of the hydrangea blooms.

I've been soaking the flower heads in a bucket of cold water for several hours before tying them into bunches for drying.

I hope this works as I tried a bunch without the soaking 

and they shrivelled right up

(see the porch picture)

far too crispy.

Hope you are keeping well and staying safe.

Covid is making a comeback here.

Think I will start wearing my mask again when I go to the grocery store.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Quarterdeck Cottage ~ September Snippets

 

Here at Quarterdeck Cottage we keep things simple.

I am in my casual cottage cooking gear...

Apron

White Tee

Black Yoga pants

Bare feet (with red polish)

It is a cloudy Monday morning so 

I baked the sourdough boule

and

made a Frittata

Today's Frittata Recipe

 7 large eggs beaten

1/3 cup milk (or cream)

1/3 cup chopped pitted black olives 

1 small green pepper diced 

10 cherry tomatoes cut in half 

cup of grated white cheddar cheese

salt and pepper

Place in shallow ovenproof quiche pan

Bake at 350 for approximately 35 minutes.

We brought some green tomatoes with us...

I fried them up for breakfast and served them with worchestershire sauce.

Yesterday

we invited some of the neighbours from the nearby cottages over for a Happy Hour.

It was so lovely that we sat on the deck...

chatting away and laughing

nibbling on the charcuterie offerings

sipping our beverages

time passed and before long it was getting chilly.

We packed up just after 7pm

I finally finished knitting the Miriam sweater...

it is at home and I need to block it before I can wear it.

But I never like to be without my knitting so I went shopping last week!

I started knitting a shawl "River's Wrap"

 in this gorgeous Japanese Noro Akari Yarn

from The Beehive in Victoria.

The yarn is wonderfully soft and so soothing to work with...

silk, cotton, viscose, mohair and wool.

In other shopping news...

Found a wee crystal vessel at the thrift shop in Sidney on Friday 

before we caught the ferry....

There's a bit of magic in the way the light reflects

 in the crisp cut design of a crystal piece.

I foraged some wild dried flowers...

they look so pretty in the vase.

Am smitten with the light!!

The glow is so warm, and it does feel like magic.

On my walk to day I went to Bricky Bay.

In the early 1900's a brick making crew used this area and the beach.

They shipped the bricks off island from the bay, there are remnants of the dock.

Bits of bricks cover the beach and many have worn down and are soft shapes.

Some are small round shapes like marbles...

I managed to find a couple of pieces of sea glass but not much.

I sat on a log and listened to the call of the ravens and the swish of the waves.

Watched a few boats cruise past before pulling myself away from this idyllic spot.

I spied this sunny painted rock.

People paint rocks and leave them on the beaches here...

I usually don't take the rocks, just snap a picture to share on Instagram.

Before I close 

I must share with you a totally unexpected gift from a dear reader Rosemarie, 

who resides in Vancouver.

Rosemarie and I correspond regularly via email

we've met several times for lunch and tea when she visited Victoria

Last time I was in Vancouver we met for a glass of wine and some nibbles at The Cactus Club.

Look at this beautiful kimono style wrap!

She knows me so well...

It will be a welcome addition to my wardrobe.

THANK YOU ROSEMARIE :-))

You are such a generous person.

(I am going to find something to send Rosemarie)

Well I must close for now and go outside with my knitting.

The views are stunning!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday ~ Pops of Colour

~ OOTD ~

Dressing in some colour this morning...

I'm needing some positivity and energy and colour usually does the trick.

I've popped on this thrifted Banana Republic top with some basic black pants.

Added a wee bit of Burts Bees Cheek Blush and a slick of Miss Pupa lip gloss.

The colour on my face is subtle but does give me a lift.

Do you like dressing in bright colours?

Do you find the addition of a pop of colour perks you up?

I think colour gives me more energy.

Last week was a tough one going to the hospital daily for treatments.

It was a tiring process but I received very good care.

I am home now 

still under the care of the infectious disease doctor 

so I am not straying too far from home.

I am doing what I am told...

Staying hydrated and resting.

Chester wants to be on my lap a lot when I am sitting down :-))

If I try to knit when he is awake I don't get much knitting done.

My Miriam sweater project is getting closer to being finished.

The two sleeves are done and attached to the body of the sweater.

I am working on the raglan decreases...

It is very simple soothing work.

Reading is not to difficult with a cat on one's lap...

I read Fresh Water For Flowers by Valerie Perrin and really enjoyed it.

Three is another book by Valerie which has been translated into English.

I am not too far into the story but it has all the signs that I will be loving the book.

Her writing is great and the characters are very interesting.

She's a very insightful author...

I'm going to close this post and keep it short.

Hopefully I will have more news to share with you soon.

In the meantime take care of yourselves and have FUN!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Summer Snippets...

Apricot blooms of Jude the Obscure

the fragrance is citrus.

This rose is a repeat bloomer and has had its first flush and we expect more flowers.

Most of our roses have had their first flush of blooms.

Dead heading is a daily job and very worthwhile as it encourages more flowers.

Did you know that sweet peas need to be picked regularly or they set seed and stop making flowers?

I love their unique fresh fragrance.

Mr. HB has been bringing in sweet peas almost daily.

I pop them into vases and place them in the kitchen by the farmhouse sink 

and in the main bathroom atop the sink.

They last a few days and then they drop their petals,

by that time we have another couple of bunches at the ready!

~ OOTD ~

White Lands' End tee ~ Italian Linen dress

White capri tights

White Bueno Sandals

Hong Kong Pearls

Garden Shows are so much fun!

Lots of tables, many entries, ribbons galore.

The plant sale table is SO POPULAR...

plants are reasonably priced and some are VERY EXOTIC!

I had a fun day volunteering at the Summer Scentsation Garden Show.

After perusing the displays and looking at the award winning entries 

I donned my apron and served tea to the masses!!

We had 4 large tea tables set with lovely china cups, saucers and plates.

  Tea, coffee, scones, jam and clotted cream were served...

Plates of assorted home baking were circulated after the scones.

No one left hungry!

There was a silent auction and I bid on many items but only won one of them...

a large black pot which I am looking forward to potting up.

I am considering a fancy Hosta or an assortment of flowers.

Geraniums, lobelia, and dusty miller.

Our north patio area resembles a jungle right now!

The Lady's Mantle has gone wild...

we will be cutting it down soon.

I love black accents in the garden...like these vintage tables and chairs.

I found this metal rooster in a thrift shop and my husband spray painted it.

Garden accent pieces are hard to find locally...

if I wanted to spend a LOT the possibilities might be better but I love a bargain.

I usually finish my second coffee in the bathroom as I put on my makeup...

the thrifted English China mug looks like it matches the sweet peas

so I had to snap an image to share.

In other news...

my infection is now classified as "complicated."

I have had 3 or 4 rounds of antibiotics and they haven't worked.

So I am now receiving IV antibiotics at the hospital outpatient clinic.

They were selected to specifically target the different bacteria strains that I have...

Who knows how long this will take?

I had my second CT scan, this one with dye.

Haven't got the report yet.

I cannot believe how High Tech all these machines are...

The staff have been amazing and the departments are regularly short staffed.

I am drinking lots of fluids...many many cups of tea.

Knitting and reading...

taking life easy.

I've been meaning to read this book for years!

When I spied it in the local Book Nook I grabbed it.

I hope that you are enjoying your summer so far...

or the winter if you are in NZ or Australia.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD and I may have solved the problem with comments...

 

 ~ Walking ~

I love walking along the waterfront.

Fortunately we live close to the seafront but I frequently walk in Oak Bay.

The Esplanade near Willows Beach is a scenic spot for a stroll.

I spied this beaded bracelet on the arm of the blue Adirondack chair...

I stopped to take a closer look and noticed the card inside.

Oak Bay Trinket Fairy

I now follow this Instagram account and have learned 

that this bead artist makes and leaves them for people to find!

What a lovely idea...

similar to those painted rocks that were once popping up in our neighbourhood.

Friday ~ post published today 

as I am going to busy this Sunday...

I have been trying to keep the posts regular but a wee bit of a BLIP is fine.

On the heels of my denim jumper purchase I found a coat!

New Eileen Fisher blue coat...

a simple and classic choice for Spring and Summer.

Turns out that I really like Eileen Fisher coats as I now have 3 of them.

~ OOTD ~

Wore my big pearls from Hong Kong to tea at a friends home.

We sip tea ~ chat and knit together.

I paired it with a crisp white Old Navy shirt and a wool Lord and Taylor skirt.

Layered over Hue capri tights and my Josef Seibel Chelsea Boots.

Rather an "edgy" look but very comfortable :-))

Do you wear "edgy" fashion choices?

It is a wee bit of a stretch for me but after wearing this combo several times 

it feels honest and natural.

Let's have a quick chat about hair...

it is supposed to be our crowning glory.

Sadly

my hair has been thinning this past year...

which has been a worry but I do have a thyroid condition and that is one of the issues.

I take medication for my thyroid but hair loss is a concern.

My hair used to be SO THICK!

Has your hair thinned?

On my last visit to my stylist I mentioned this to her she cut in more layers 

now it looks fuller and has more body

so I am happy with the results.

In other news...

I have been researching the blogger problem with comments.

Your emails have not gone unnoticed...

May have found an answer...

fingers crossed 

so please try now and see if it works.

Leave a comment and we'll see if it works.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

March 3rd ~ 68 years and thoughts on being OLD, clothes and such.

 

Well I guess this is what 68 looks like...

I still remember how excited I was when I turned 13.

I don't FEEL 68, 

but that sounds strange 

as how WOULD a 68 year old feel?

My idea of 68 (when I was younger) was that at the age of 68 one was OLD.

OLD 

crotchety...

wrinkly and worn out.

Well I can attest to having grey hair, wrinkles and feeling weary on occasion.

But my idea of an OLD woman has changed :-))

Perhaps because I am here and at the age of 68 years OLD young.

I do have aches and pains and cannot do all the things that I used to do in a day.

My flexibility is not what it once was...

 but I am working to regain some of what has been lost.

My eyesight has weakened and I wear glasses to see properly.

I've given up wearing high heels, and only own two pairs of "kitten heels."

I opt to dress for comfort most days...

(apologies to MOM)

I am very much like her in looks and demeanor 

but I don't have that "dress up everyday" gene.

I am wearing a warm and cozy "new-to-me" wool vest with cap sleeves.

I found it at the thrift shop on Pender on my birthday.

What you cannot see are the Hudson knit tweed pants and black Chelsea boots.

You'll have to use your imagination :-))

~ OOTD ~

Snow day at the cottage.

This very old Gap denim shirt gets worn a LOT.

It is soft and comfy, a desert island garment.

Layered over a black lace camisole, black lined leggings.

Akoya Pearls just because...

I am enjoying watching fashion reels from style savvy gals on Instagram.

The Street Style snippets are fun and the tips are great.

Some days I want to rush out and buy a bunch of new clothes!

But seriously, I have to consider my retired lifestyle...

where would I wear a sequin skirt?

I did buy a rhinestone bracelet before Christmas that I must start wearing for fun.

On days perhaps when I meet friends for coffee...

A mystery...

love the description of the book.

Three retired primary school teachers who meet every Thursday for coffee

solve the mystery of a friend...

Yes this is something I need to wear more often...

it has a bit of bling to elevate these cold and blustery days.

My new book is calling my name and I am going to pop the kettle on for a cuppa..

hope you are feeling good and making time for fun.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~